2020 Garage Sale Thread
- Thread starter LesserSon
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Mea culpa: As seen in some of my photos (despite heavy cropping) I suffer from Horizontal Surface Disorder - also known as Flat Surface Syndrome - a condition characterized by habitual sprawling of materials and tools over any and all available horizontal surfaces. Most days, I consider it more a proclivity than a defect - one side of a triangular continuum, analogous to ectomorph/mesomorph/endomorph body-types or fascist/democratic/communist goverments.
The other two extreme proclivities are hanger/shelvers and drawer/bin-jammers. Close-kin to sprawlers are heapers, and less so, stackers (I think they are really jammers who lack bins). Like most conditions, it becomes a disease when it inhibits accomplishing the associated task (making something, finding something).
I know I am not alone. My first year in my current job, I took over a workspace from a veteran sprawler. I drew curious surprise from some of my coworkers (who expected me to “clean it up”) by simply depositing my own new layer over the retiree’s decades-deep strata. I somtimes amused myself with small archeaological excavations, but I knew from the start, it wasn’t going to be my permanent space.
This in mind, I hit upon the idea of a wall plaque: no horizontal space required! Just a nail in a wall. My kind and the hanger- varieties of hanger-shelvers will know what to do with it (though they may not have room on their walls). I admit, pure shelvers and drawer/bin-jammers may be less appreciative.
Next, what size? I figured I’d be shipping it, so I chose the internal inches of the USPS Regional Rate Box A (10.9375x2.375x12.8125) as my maximum diminsions. The Flat Rate Medium and standard Mailing Box are just a bit roomier, so I’ll have three options, depending on distance.
What materials?
I have a decent amount of hoarded clutter of all types, but my favorite is wood. Seemed logical for a plaque, too. Most of it is salvaged, and I know the origin. I have little doubt the hard/rock/sugar-maple and red oak grew right here in Penn’s Woods. (I saw plenty more growing where I’ve been hunting the past few weekends.)
The maple I saved from a dumpster when the local perennial district champion high school replaced the basketball court (this was installed in 1992, so it probably had two decades of trophy experience).
The oak plank came from a custom cabinet and I planed a wavy-grained strip I cut from a shop-made typing desk into the two octagonal pillars (to reflect the posting skills).
I did the lettering with a utility knife and chisels. The black accenting is broken 75RPM records (from the curb) dissolved in alcohol.
Needed a medalion for Garage Journal bling, but I was not pleased with the hammered look I was getting, so switched to lighter aluminum repoussé. (I hummed L'estasi dell'oro while working on it, to add heavy Metallica cred.)
If I do something similar in the future, I will do the reverse-image carving in end-grain, and keep the relief lower; my first two tries resulted in the aluminum failing.
Third time’s a charm, though.
Back-filled with JBWeld and accented with Rustoleum.
So there you have it: The Garage Journal 2020 Picker of the Year trophy. I’ll get the list of nominees narrowed down to ten soon, and YOU will vote for the winner.
The other two extreme proclivities are hanger/shelvers and drawer/bin-jammers. Close-kin to sprawlers are heapers, and less so, stackers (I think they are really jammers who lack bins). Like most conditions, it becomes a disease when it inhibits accomplishing the associated task (making something, finding something).
I know I am not alone. My first year in my current job, I took over a workspace from a veteran sprawler. I drew curious surprise from some of my coworkers (who expected me to “clean it up”) by simply depositing my own new layer over the retiree’s decades-deep strata. I somtimes amused myself with small archeaological excavations, but I knew from the start, it wasn’t going to be my permanent space.
This in mind, I hit upon the idea of a wall plaque: no horizontal space required! Just a nail in a wall. My kind and the hanger- varieties of hanger-shelvers will know what to do with it (though they may not have room on their walls). I admit, pure shelvers and drawer/bin-jammers may be less appreciative.
Next, what size? I figured I’d be shipping it, so I chose the internal inches of the USPS Regional Rate Box A (10.9375x2.375x12.8125) as my maximum diminsions. The Flat Rate Medium and standard Mailing Box are just a bit roomier, so I’ll have three options, depending on distance.
What materials?
I have a decent amount of hoarded clutter of all types, but my favorite is wood. Seemed logical for a plaque, too. Most of it is salvaged, and I know the origin. I have little doubt the hard/rock/sugar-maple and red oak grew right here in Penn’s Woods. (I saw plenty more growing where I’ve been hunting the past few weekends.)
I did the lettering with a utility knife and chisels. The black accenting is broken 75RPM records (from the curb) dissolved in alcohol.
Needed a medalion for Garage Journal bling, but I was not pleased with the hammered look I was getting, so switched to lighter aluminum repoussé. (I hummed L'estasi dell'oro while working on it, to add heavy Metallica cred.)
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Outlawmws
Well-known member
Its the most basic capitalism there is; find product cheap, take it to where its valued.
I used to do well with stereo gear, I still have a bunch I need to put up and sell. I've also done well with the occasional odd Item: A Linear amp, a 4 4BBL manifold for a Packard, an outboard, a couple of min bikes. etc...
But you have to have space to store until it sells also., and you have to be patient to get top dollar. and Eprey, while it can be good, also expect to give them as much as 25%., and you don't always get your optimal price.
I used to do well with stereo gear, I still have a bunch I need to put up and sell. I've also done well with the occasional odd Item: A Linear amp, a 4 4BBL manifold for a Packard, an outboard, a couple of min bikes. etc...
But you have to have space to store until it sells also., and you have to be patient to get top dollar. and Eprey, while it can be good, also expect to give them as much as 25%., and you don't always get your optimal price.
Old Radar
Well-known member
I fail to fathom the mea culpa. Looks great to me, LS--and best, it's from picks! Great job! You could only better it by sending it out in a re-used shipping box.
Outlawmws
Well-known member
WOW LS I'm totally impressed! Well Done!
Private Lugnutz
Well-known member
I don't know about profit, but a few of us flip things we don't plan to keep. The goal isn't second income so much as just saying out of the red or replenishing the flea market pocket cash. And, slipping Mrs Lugz a couple $20 bills every once in awhile makes up for the habit that results in 600 posts!
Everything I just said in that PM? I take it back!
No, seriously, that is perfect. The trophies have been redolent of their hosts, and yours keeps that tradition going. The winner will be a lucky, deserving fella!
Just taking ownership of my HSD/FSS!
Thanks, and good idea. I don’t foresee a box of the right dimensions coming soon, though.
Outlaw, Lugz: Thanks, as well. Do my Host powers extend to granting pre-emptive “thanks” to everyone? You have all been so supportive this year!
Outlawmws
Well-known member
LS don't forget you also need to setup for the next vict - er... Host, yeah Host... and a vote poll for that.
Provincial
Well-known member
Wonderful trophy LS! Outstanding work.
You have been a great host for this thread, and have set a high bar for your successors.
You have been a great host for this thread, and have set a high bar for your successors.
Drkuhar
Well-known member
my best find was going to a sale that was appointment only for a harbor freight benchtop metal bender and the guy said he had a scrap pile if i wanted some steel and other scrap that he was cleaning out. in the pile was a 5" wilson mechanic vise that other than surface rust looked unused and a small welding table and an new large portable air tank. I asked again and he said if I bought the bender for 25.00 i could take whatever I wanted from the metal pile. it was a good day for sure
bmwrd0
Well-known member
Very nice LS! That is a prize that any one of us would love to put up.
Truly a prize worth winning.
Oh, and as many are reflecting on their best find of the year, I figured I would post mine up:
The mission style Morris chair I was given for free at an overpriced estate sale. They didn't want to deal with project type stuff and had pushed it off to the side. I couldn't believe it was still there on the second day, but it went home in my truck.
Truly a prize worth winning.
Oh, and as many are reflecting on their best find of the year, I figured I would post mine up:
The mission style Morris chair I was given for free at an overpriced estate sale. They didn't want to deal with project type stuff and had pushed it off to the side. I couldn't believe it was still there on the second day, but it went home in my truck.
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Old Radar
Well-known member
With apologies to Foghorn Leghorn--"Fortunately, I keep my old shipping boxes numbered for just such an occasion!"
seber
Well-known member
Very nice LS! That is a prize that any one of us would love to put up.
Truly a prize worth winning.
Oh, and as many are reflecting on their best find of the year, I figured I would post mine up:
The mission style Morris chair I was given for free at an overpriced estate sale. They didn't want to deal with project type stuff and had pushed it off to the side. I couldn't believe it was still there on the second day, but it went home in my truck.
Looks just like Old Sparky in the Texas prison museum.
Richard Cranium
Well-known member
that was my thoughts also
Private Lugnutz
Well-known member
I remember that one!
So is that white well-lit room surrounded by various boxes, tools, machines and signage "The Hole"? Or is that the dark cavernous space through the door behind it?
txlonghorn1989
Well-known member
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LS What a great prize! Excellent work!
RTM
Well-known member
Back-filled with JBWeld and accented with Rustoleum.
Wow, nice stuff there
BlueBomber
Well-known member
Well thought out and well executed, just like your Thread Host duties, LS! In other words, a perfect PotY trophy!
The consideration for sufferers of FSD is a nice touch, although I will note that VSD (the vertical variant) runs rampant in my garage as well. Thankfully, finding a spot on the wall for the trophy won't be a problem for me--I am no where close to being in the running for this year's symbolic Top Picker award.
Looking forward to this upcoming vote, and the vote for next year's thread host. Onward!
The consideration for sufferers of FSD is a nice touch, although I will note that VSD (the vertical variant) runs rampant in my garage as well. Thankfully, finding a spot on the wall for the trophy won't be a problem for me--I am no where close to being in the running for this year's symbolic Top Picker award.
Looking forward to this upcoming vote, and the vote for next year's thread host. Onward!
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bmwrd0
Well-known member
That is a teaser shot of the hole.I remember that one!
So is that white well-lit room surrounded by various boxes, tools, machines and signage "The Hole"? Or is that the dark cavernous space through the door behind it?
Private Lugnutz
Well-known member
Well played, sir. Well played.jeffmoss26
Well-known member
now that is one cool award!
I had mentioned seeing one at Jakes the same day, and a couple weeks later not mentioned seeing it again (still didn’t buy it.).
CRAWLING through 6000+ posts tonight, I found ANOTHER example, found by gearhead1960. Unmarked, but attributed by RTM to Joh. Weiss & Sohn Wien, Austria.
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RTM
Well-known member
Just to be clear, there are a lot of those style around in different catalogs. Weiss and Sons carried them, not sure if they made them.
Provincial
Well-known member
Friday I scored a Plomb Toolmobile from Offerup for $45.00. I finally got a chance to get it up on it's "feet" and get the drawers to work properly. It still needs lots of work, and I started a thread about the project.
https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?p=8828641#post8828641
https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?p=8828641#post8828641
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Private Lugnutz
Well-known member
I think Weiss was an importer, just like Hilger. Have you checked the Jake's specimen for a marking, LS?
I have not. (I didn’t buy it, twice.) I think there are two more weekends before Jake’s closes for the season. If I spot it, I will look (and price it) & who knows - even buy it.
Now I look closer at gearhead’s I see it has a bit of an anvil extending from the static. Not sure about the one at Jake’s.
Now I look closer at gearhead’s I see it has a bit of an anvil extending from the static. Not sure about the one at Jake’s.
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I went to pickup a FaceBook market item yesterday and it turned out to be a place I was before (bought my bench grinder here months ago). The elderly couple still running what I call a slow estate sale. Before it was the larger tools for sale. Now it was more the garden, and hand tools for sale. I picked up this lot for $100.
Car Lift, $10
Plant mover
3 axes, two plumb, biggest one unsure (might show after cleaning), $12
2 pics, one very large, $5 for both
1 pitch fork, i really like it
3 vise grips, 2 parrot heads, one Craftsman
4 armstrong ratchets
1 hammer, brass? $5
1 Stanley Hand Plane Patent Apr-19-10, $12 (I believe from the elderly man's father)
wood splitter
wood handled screwdriver, number 4 stamped at the base of the tip.
Everything in really nice condition. Well taken care of. Happy to bring this lot home.
Car Lift, $10
Plant mover
3 axes, two plumb, biggest one unsure (might show after cleaning), $12
2 pics, one very large, $5 for both
1 pitch fork, i really like it
3 vise grips, 2 parrot heads, one Craftsman
4 armstrong ratchets
1 hammer, brass? $5
1 Stanley Hand Plane Patent Apr-19-10, $12 (I believe from the elderly man's father)
wood splitter
wood handled screwdriver, number 4 stamped at the base of the tip.
Everything in really nice condition. Well taken care of. Happy to bring this lot home.
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That’s a nice fork - forged tines close enough together to pick up relatively small stuff off a flat surface or sift larger things (like potatoes) from smaller; wide enough it doesn’t spill off the sides. It’s a good companion to a cart or truck bed. At retail, worth half what you paid for the entire lot.
Nice plane, too. Is it a #3?
Nice plane, too. Is it a #3?
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alinc100
Well-known member
LS, Great trophy. While I have not participated as enthusiastically as in years past. The GS thread is still the center of my GJ universe and up/down/sideways we still have a whole lotta fun and reasons to keep on pickin'.
I like that fork too.
Plane is a no4. Look closely at the first closeup pic.
Sent from my SM-G960U using The Garage Journal mobile app
Plane is a no4. Look closely at the first closeup pic.
Sent from my SM-G960U using The Garage Journal mobile app
3baygarage
Well-known member
LS- great job on the trophy! I like it. Part of me wishes the tradition had existed earlier, so I could have created something, but part of me is also glad I didn’t have to try and make one!
Provincial- nice score. Worth the price just to park it and stare at that cool logo!
Provincial- nice score. Worth the price just to park it and stare at that cool logo!
3baygarage
Well-known member
3baygarage
Well-known member
Tonight I stopped by the pawn shop. Found these three Herbrand pieces. The socket on the left is a part of the set I’ve been picking out of this pawn shop for three years now.
Barcalo doe, Proto and Mac sockets. Someone must have been feeling very generous this holiday season as they threw a Snap On saltus wrench in the general tool bins as well.
Barcalo doe, Proto and Mac sockets. Someone must have been feeling very generous this holiday season as they threw a Snap On saltus wrench in the general tool bins as well.
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Ha! Now, I see it.
Provincial
Well-known member
Thanks 3bay! Right now, that is exactly what is happening.
Old Radar
Well-known member
Today's sale was inconsistently pricey. There wasn't a screwdriver or pliers that was under $4, and most sockets were in that range also. They had a glass cabinet behind the cashier full of L.S. Starrett mics, dials and gauges that were only slightly below ebay prices.
On the other hand, searching through the stacks of hand tools--and there were stacks--I found the following bargains.
Starrett Rules:
C305R-18
C100F-12 (3/16th shrink graduations)
C604R-6
603-6 (Patent date Aug 24, 26 comes up dry on DATAMP)
LSS 4" Combo Square w/level
LSS S154S Parallel Set
LSS C183 Protractor
Moore & Wright 3" dividers
Plomb 5285 3/8 Sliding T
CM 3-pt scribe
CM Ignition Pliers (Circle P--Wilde Drop Forge)
$24 for the lot
On the other hand, searching through the stacks of hand tools--and there were stacks--I found the following bargains.
Starrett Rules:
C305R-18
C100F-12 (3/16th shrink graduations)
C604R-6
603-6 (Patent date Aug 24, 26 comes up dry on DATAMP)
LSS 4" Combo Square w/level
LSS S154S Parallel Set
LSS C183 Protractor
Moore & Wright 3" dividers
Plomb 5285 3/8 Sliding T
CM 3-pt scribe
CM Ignition Pliers (Circle P--Wilde Drop Forge)
$24 for the lot
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